Futurism Figures

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Futurism Figure using drawing techniques learning in class
• Use line types (thick, thin), shape variation (geometric, organic), and space (positive, negative) inspired by Italian Painter (1871-1958) Giacomo Balla
• Use drawing techniques (contour line, outline) and design principles (repetition, emphasis, movement) based on Futurism Art
• Define Movement (using art elements to create an action or guide the viewer through a composition)

Lesson One
Day One Art Start

1. Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash (1912) Giacomo Balla 

2. Read The Blocks Come Out at Night by Javier Garay 

3. Discussion Questions "How is possible to create movement with non-moving object? How and why can a movement from 1909-1943 be considered and described as futuristic? How might technological society affect artistic styles? How might moving forward affect the history of yesterday? What might be the cause and effect? How might not moving forward affect our future? Can you imagine being so enthusiastic about technology that you name your daughter Propeller? What was memorable to you when watching these? What stood out in the artwork? Is the whole image repeated?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" by 15" Drawing Paper
2. Draw three outlines of figures using drawing techniques (contour line, outline) for figure drawing
3. Add vibrant colors (yellow, green, pink) to the line types (thick, thin) of the figures for the Futurism Figures 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Futurism Figures for Assigned Table

2. Speed of a Motorcycle (1913) Giacomo Balla

3. Discussion Questions "What did you notice first when looking at this artwork? What was your first reaction to this artwork? Does your opinion about the artwork change the longer you look at it? What type of lines do you see in this artwork? What type of colors do you see in this artwork? Which area of the artwork is emphasized by the artist? What elements of this artwork seem real? How does your eye move through the artwork? What choices did the artist make to make that happen? How does the artist use proportion? How does the artist use proportion? What could be improved about this artwork?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use drawing techniques (contour line, outline) to add basic shapes (geometric, organic) to positive space (figure) of Futurism Figures 
2. Use drawing techniques (contour line, outline) to add basic shapes (geometric, organic) to negative space (background) of Futurism Figures
3. Use drawing techniques (contour line, outline) to add details (movement lines, repetition) to figure drawings

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Futurism Figures for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (markers, erasers, pencils)

Lesson Activities

1. Use vibrant colors (yellow, green, pink) to fill in the positive space (figures) of the figure drawings
2. Use vibrant colors (yellow, green, pink) to fill in the negative space (background) of the figure drawings
3. Add design details (movement lines, geometric shapes) to the positive space (foreground) of the Futurism Figures

Artist Examples

Student Examples